Lok Sabha holds discussion on Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Bill, 2019

News: Lok Sabha has held discussions on Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Bill, 2019

Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Bill, 2019

• Aim: The Bill seeks to ban the production, trade, transport, storage and advertisement of electronic cigarettes.
• Definition of E-cigarettes: The Bill defines electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as electronic devices that heat a substance which may contain nicotine and other chemicals, to create vapour for inhalation.
• Other examples: Heat Not Burn Products, e-Hookah and e-cigars and other similar devices.

Key Provisions:

• After the ban comes into force, any production, manufacturing, import, export, transport, sale, distribution or advertisement of e-cigarettes will be a cognizable offence.
• The offence will be punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, or fine up to ₹1 lakh, or both for the first offence; and imprisonment of up to three years and fine up to ₹5 lakh for a subsequent offence.
• Those found storing e-cigarettes will be punished with imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to Rs 50,000 or both.

Significance of the ban:

• Will ensure effective and timely action against the trend of use of e-cigarettes especially among youth.
• Will complement government’s efforts for tobacco control
• Will help in reduction of tobacco use and reduction in associated economic and disease burden.

Additional Information:

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in its white paper on Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS), published on the eve of World No Tobacco Day (31^st may), has said that ENDS adversely affects almost all the human body systems. It has recommended a complete ban on e-cigarettes and other ENDS.
• According to WHO’s Global Tobacco Epidemic 2017 report, nearly 30 countries have banned ENDS. Examples include Mauritius, Australia, Singapore, Sri Lanka etc
• In India, 16 states and 1 UT has had already banned manufacture, import and sale of ENDS.
• ENDS are not regulated under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003